Open and Shut

Carroll Gardens
We noticed that the 16 Handles signage, which caused quite a stir in the neighborhood, was replaced with something less garish. But this signage looks temporary, so who knows! And Pardon Me for Asking wonders if Vinzee’s Magic Fountain, the burger joint on Court Street, is kaput. The hours were erratic and now neighbors noticed its not open at all.

Park Slope
The expansion of Zito’s Sandwich Shop is confirmed for the Coney Island Boardwalk! Here’s Park Slope talked to the owner, who signed a three year lease to open a 140-square-foot sandwich stand right near Luna Park, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Flea favorite People’s Pops opened its brick and mortar storefront at 808 Union Street with five types of ice pops and two shave ice flavors on hand. The Pink Berry construction site on 7th Avenue was slapped with a Stop Work Order. Happy Taco, at the intersection of Park, 7th, and Flatbush Avenue, was shuttered by the DOH. Grab Specialty foods opened with a new name (The Plougman) and new management. And Casa Ventura opened in a (possibly cursed) storefront on the corner of 7th Avenue and 3rd Street. Here’s Park Slope gave the place a thumbs up: “Judging by the food, decor, and service, all signs point to us having a real winner on our hands here.”

ElsewhereDitmas Park Corner notes that Lark Cafe will move into 1007 Church Avenue (next to the AM Thai Bistro) and serve Stumptown coffee, pastries, sandwiches, soups, and salads come June. Lost City reports good news that Leske’s Bakery, the last Scandinavian bake shop in Bay Ridge that closed last year, will reopen in the same location this month. Greenwood Heights residents worry about the massive beer garden under construction on 7th Avenue. The joint has not applied for a liquor licence from the Community Board yet. The cursed storefront corner of Dumbo which once housed Choice and The Gallery is now Dumbo Kitchen. It serves pizza and sandwiches. Carol’s Daughters, a successful bath and body shop from Fort Greene, closed its flagship location at 1 South Elliott Place. Says Patch: “The closure marked the departure of a key black-owned and operated business from the traditionally African-American brownstone-lined streets of Fort Greene.” And Eater wonders if popular Spanish chef Jose Andres is planning a restaurant somewhere in Brooklyn.